According to the National Weather Service the East Coast has been experiencing record high temperatures this winter season. The National Weather Service reports that thanks to El Niño people were able to enjoy the outdoors more during the holidays.

With winter comes unpredictable weather, it is important to always be prepared for changing weather conditions particularly for snow or bitter cold temperatures

"Winter Safety is important whether it's for travelling, sports, or even at home," said Naval District Washington Acting Safety Regional Program Manager Kordeen Kor. "For the travelers out there, remember to winterize your vehicle; for the sporty kind, dress up for the weather; and at home, make it a point to install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home for your loved ones."

Kordeen recommends the following steps that can be taken to be ready for the cold and snow this winter season.

Winterizing Your Vehicle

*Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.

*Change and adjusting the spark plugs.

*Check the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.

*Inspect the distributor.

*Check the battery.

*Check the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.

*Check antifreeze level and the freeze line.

*Schedule a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Not only the vehicle has to be ready but houses are also affected by the temperatures and the winds that come with the winter season. The U.S. Department of Energy gives recommendations to get houses ready for winter.

Home Winterizing

*Clean out gutters - All the leaves that fell down during autumn accumulate in the gutters and can lead to water sipping into the home, which can lead to many issues including mold and extra energy costs.

*Keep the outside air out and the inside air in - It is important to inspect the home for any air leaks. Cracks can make your system work harder and hit your energy bill. Use caulk to seal cracks and openings between stationary house components like a door frame and weather stripping to seal components that move like an operable window.

*Perform preventive maintenance on your furnace - Clean the home's furnace annually each autumn. Sediment build-up can cause the system to work less efficiently or potentially become a fire hazard. Cleaning your system and getting it inspected will reduce the risks.

*Inspect the home A/C ducts (if applicable) - Make sure the ducts are in order by properly sealing and insulating them. Tightly sealed and insulated ducts can potentially reduce your annual energy bills by $120 or more.

*Maintain well-lit passageways - The fall and winter months mean less daylight. Buying energy saver products and bulbs to light the outdoor pathways or porches can save a lot of energy. Energy Star makes compact fluorescent lights and light emitting diode (LED) flood lights that can withstand snow and rain. As an extra energy-saving effort, look for Energy Star products that come with automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors. And be sure to decorate with LED holiday lights to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

Colder weather is on its way and following these tips will help save energy, money and keep the vehicles and home safe and ready for the winter.

For additional winter preparedness tips visit http://www.ready.navy.mil/

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/